The Inclusivity in Social Protection Initiative
Ramallah – The Ministry of Social Development held an exceptional meeting today for the Social Protection Sector Working Group at its headquarters, attended by representatives of local and international partners and donor agencies. The meeting aimed to review the fourth initiative within the first phase of the "National Development and Reform Program."
At the start of the meeting, Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development, welcomed the attendees and highlighted the importance of the fourth initiative, titled "Inclusivity in Social Protection." She emphasized that it is a key part of the government's efforts to promote sustainable development and reduce poverty and unemployment rates in Palestinian society.
The Minister added that the primary goal of the initiative is to establish a comprehensive and equitable social protection system, ensuring that all groups have access to the necessary support. She explained that the initiative is structured around four main components designed to achieve this goal, focusing on digital transformation and collaboration between the Ministry of Social Development and other ministries, such as Communications, Health, and Education. She noted that significant progress has been made in these areas while acknowledging the extensive work still needed to achieve the desired inclusivity.
Regarding economic empowerment, Dr. Hamad affirmed that the "Cash Transfer Program" serves as a vital tool within this initiative, aiming to link social protection issues with economic development plans, particularly in rebuilding the Gaza Strip. She stated that the government is working to provide emergency cash assistance to all residents in Gaza, whether during or after periods of conflict, contributing to sustainable income for affected families. She further noted that the ministry collaborates closely with 42 local institutions to deliver the required social services.
During the meeting, the initiative's primary goals were reviewed, including proposed action plans and budgets. Strategies to enhance inclusivity and independence in social protection programs were discussed, alongside key elements such as the National Social Registry launched by the ministry last November and efforts to strengthen partnerships within the social protection network to ensure sustainable financial empowerment for all citizens.
Updates on the National Registration System were also presented. It was revealed that 140,000 families in the West Bank and 86,000 families in Gaza have been registered. The ministry noted that data for 55,000 families in the West Bank has been updated, and a dedicated platform was launched to collect information on Palestinians stranded in Egypt. Approximately 9,000 individuals, including 800 families, have completed the registration process.
The meeting concluded with presentations from partners. Ms. Jane Guo, UNICEF Special Representative, and Ms. Serpa Tolle, Deputy Group Chair and Head of Economic and Social Support at the EU Representative Office, shared their perspectives on the importance of effective collaboration among all parties to achieve shared goals. They reaffirmed their full commitment to ongoing cooperation to deliver tangible outcomes that enhance social protection and improve citizens' quality of life.
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Press Release Issued by the MoSD on the Occasion of International Women’s Day
Ramallah – March 8 On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Ministry of Social Development salutes Palestinian women on this global day that honors women’s struggles and rights and commemorates a long journey toward justice, equality, and human dignity. In Palestine, this year’s commemoration comes amid harsh and compounded challenges faced daily by Palestinian women as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression, violations and attacks, escalating settler violence, and difficult economic conditions that burden families and increase women’s responsibilities both inside and outside the home. The Ministry affirms that Palestinian women have always been and continue to be a symbol of resilience and steadfastness, and an essential partner in safeguarding social cohesion. They stand at the forefront in confronting crises, paying a double price in terms of their security, health, and psychological and social stability, while continuing to fulfill their roles in caregiving, employment, community support, civil engagement, and preserving the national and social fabric. In this context, the Ministry continues to serve and support women through social protection and care programs, emergency interventions for the most vulnerable groups—particularly survivors of violence—strengthening counseling and psychosocial support services, providing legal aid and financial assistance, and advancing protection pathways against violence and abuse. The Ministry also ensures protection, shelter, and reintegration services through its protection centers and those of its partners, coordinating to guarantee safe and equitable access to all services. During 2025, approximately 850 women survivors of gender-based violence were supported through the Ministry’s directorates in the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, despite the tragic conditions, the Ministry continued to deliver essential services, with around 3,000 women benefiting from protection, shelter, psychosocial, and legal support services throughout 2025. The Ministry’s interventions also included displaced women in the Jenin and Tulkarm camps, where approximately 1,100 displaced women benefited from financial assistance, psychosocial counseling sessions, and dignity kits. The Ministry also works to empower women economically and socially by supporting small enterprises, building capacities, expanding opportunities for participation and inclusion, and raising awareness of women’s rights to ensure their dignity and active presence across sectors. In this regard, the Ministry provided 40 job opportunities and supported 40 economic empowerment projects, through partners, for women survivors of violence and female-headed households. The Ministry stresses that women’s empowerment and protection are not seasonal slogans but an ongoing national and societal commitment that requires concerted efforts from official institutions, civil society, the private sector, and international partners. Such collaboration is essential to ensure a more just and safe environment for women and girls, enhance their opportunities in education, employment, and public life, and combat all forms of violence and discrimination. In conclusion, the Ministry of Social Development calls for practical solidarity with Palestinian women through clear policies and programs that ensure protection and empowerment, mitigate the impacts of war, poverty, and economic hardship, and open genuine pathways for participation and justice. Mercy to the martyrs, healing to the wounded, freedom to the prisoners, and tribute to every Palestinian woman who creates hope despite pain and keeps this land standing strong.
MoSD: Broad Interventions During the First Days of Ramadan with Partners’ Support
Press Release Issued by the MoSD on Achievements During the First Thirteen Days of the Holy Month of Ramadan Ramallah – The Ministry of Social Development announced that its interventions during the first thirteen days of the holy month of Ramadan constituted a direct response to citizens’ needs amid the current circumstances, delivering multiple and parallel services that extend beyond in-kind assistance. These interventions included psychosocial support and social follow-up for the most vulnerable groups, distribution of food parcels and essential supplies, and the provision of emergency cash assistance for the most urgent cases, aiming to ease living burdens, stabilize families, and strengthen their ability to cope with pressures during the holy month. The Ministry clarified that these interventions were implemented in cooperation with partner associations and targeted vulnerable families. Efforts also included organizing Ramadan iftars and distributing hot meals, including special iftars for orphans. This work was supported by local and international partners, including the Sultanate of Oman, Arab Bank, Al-Quloub Al-Rahima Association, Palestine Children’s Relief Association, community kitchens (Takyas), local associations, ANERA, Multaqameen Ala Al-Khair Association, Makers of Hope Association, Basmat Khair Kitchen, Khudh wa A’ati Association, the French Islamic Relief Association, the Cash Working Group, and individual donors. In the West Bank, the Ministry reported that through 12 directorates, a total of 38,365 food parcels were distributed during this period, in addition to 2,750 iftar meals or hot meals and 1,251 cash interventions. These efforts aimed to ensure assistance reached eligible beneficiaries through clear mechanisms that strengthen solidarity and respond to the most urgent needs. In partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), food parcel vouchers were provided to 155,600 individuals listed in the Ministry’s regular beneficiary registry. Additionally, 8,458 families from active lists and 47,530 families from emergency lists benefited from assistance during February, as part of efforts to address urgent needs and enhance food security for the most vulnerable households. In the Gaza Strip, the Ministry confirmed that it delivered more than 37,379 food-related interventions, including vegetable and fruit baskets, infant formula, meals, bread, and suhoor meals, in addition to distributing 2,420 cups of water. Furthermore, 7,970 non-food interventions were provided, including hygiene kits, mattresses, winter clothing, and dignity kits. The Ministry of Social Development stressed that, under the current circumstances, it will continue intensifying its efforts and strengthening coordination with partners to expand the scope of response and ensure the continuity of humanitarian and social support for the most affected groups during and beyond the holy month of Ramadan, contributing to preserving family cohesion and enhancing community resilience.
